Amino Acids
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) helps decrease mucous viscosity, making it less thick. It also helps protect lung tissue. Take 500mg twice daily on an empty stomach with water or juice. NOTE: Do not take NAC with milk.
Aromatherapy
Add 2 to 3 drops eucalyptus oil and an equal amount of frankincense to a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapour. This combination makes a good expectorant, helping to clear congestion.
Herbs
Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties as a result of its incredibly complex molecular structure and is useful for fighting the offending organism as well as helping to prevent the development of pneumonia. Allicin is considered the active ingredient in garlic. You can increase the content of allicin in garlic by crushing the buds and leaving them out for five minutes or more. The oxygen in the air facilitates the conversion of alliin to allicin. Take at least two cloves daily. If supplementing, take 400 to 500mg up to three times daily and look for supplements with a high alicin content.
Coltsfoot, gumweed, horehound, lobelia, licorice, sundew, and wild cherry bark are all herbs that help increase the quantity, decrease the viscosity, and promote the drainage of sputum. Many of these herbs also have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Mix 6 ounces of some or all of these herbs together, boil them in 4 cups of water for 2 minutes, let stand for 10 additional minutes, strain, sweeten with a bit of honey if you like, and take 1 cup every 2 hours (1/2 cup for children).
Horsetail is beneficial as an anti-inflammatory and expectorant. Use in extract form for best results.
A mustard poultice is beneficial. Mix 1 part dry mustard with 3 parts flour and enough water to make a paste. Spread the paste onto a thin piece of cotton or cheesecloth. Fold and place on your chest. Check often as it may cause blistering of the skin if left too long.
Reishi mushroom has been shown to have antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to boost the immune system. The active ingredients are absorbed better when reishi is taken with vitamin C.
Lifestyle
Immune system enhancement should be a goal. For more information, see Weakened Immune System.
Get plenty of rest.
Increase fluid intake. Drink water, diluted vegetable juices, soup, and herbal teas. Aim for 8 glasses equivalent daily. If you are not accustomed to taking in this quantity of fluid, start at 4 to 5 glasses equivalent and work your way up.
Reduce your consumption of simple sugars, including fruit sugars. Also avoid dairy products. These foods increase mucous production.
Minerals
Take a zinc lozenge (containing 23mg elemental zinc) every 2 hours for one week to help fight the infection. NOTE: Do not take zinc at this dose for a prolonged period of time as it may decrease immune function.
Miscellaneous
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples and has been shown to be effective in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. It is especially good for the treatment of chronic bronchitis due to its antitussive effect and because it reduces the viscosity (thickness) of your sputum. Bromelain also helps reduce inflammation.
Colloidal silver acts as a natural antibiotic and is effective against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. A variety of companies suspend varying amounts of silver in solution; anywhere from 5 parts per million (ppm) to 30 ppm. Read the label before using. Colloidal silver should be taken on an empty stomach thirty minutes before a meal. A number of preparations suggest varying amounts of solution to be taken. Again, read the label for direction. Some sources maintain that it is best to place the solution under the tongue for optimal absorption if taking internally. Colloidal silver can also be found as a nasal spray to be inhaled or a salve for topical application.
Postural draining can help clear excess mucous from your lungs and air passages. Place a heat pad, hot water bottle, or mustard poultice (see Herbs section, above) on your chest for up to 20 minutes. Following this, lie face down on the bed with the top half of your body off the bed and hands or forearms on the floor to support yourself. Hold this position for 5 to 15 minutes. In the meantime, try coughing up mucous and expectorate into a basin or newspaper on the floor.
Quercitin acts as an antihistamine and is useful in cases of chronic bronchitis that are caused by allergies. Take 500mg 3 times daily.
Vitamins
Vitamin A and beta-carotene promote healing and repair of lung tissue. Take 25,000 IU vitamin A or 200,000 IU beta-carotene daily in divided dose.
Bioflavonoids have antiviral, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Take 1,000mg daily. Bioflavonoids are commonly incorporated into vitamin C preparations to facilitate absorption.
High doses of vitamin C have been shown to fight infection and lessen the severity of symptoms as well. It is especially good for the elderly or severely ill. Increasing vitamin C intake will help increase the vitamin C content of white blood cells to fight off the infecting organism. Vitamin C also lowers histamine levels. Take 500 to 1,000mg every 2 hours. Start at the lower dosage and increase up to bowel toelerance.
Coenzyme Q10 improves circulation and breathing. Take 60mg daily.
